Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
520. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to report on the application renewal of a work permit (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39531/26]
View answerThe Employment Permits Section of my Department continues to operate with a strong focus on efficiency and on improving overall processing timelines.
The application for the renewal of the employment permit referenced was received on 3 October 2025 prior to the expiry of the existing permit on 15 October 2025. Further information was required to complete assessment of the application. In this regard, the applicant was contacted by the Department on 19 May and again on 22 May 2026 seeking the relevant information required to progress the application. Once all the information required has been provided, processing of the application can be completed and a decision reached.
Importantly, applicants who have submitted a valid application to renew an existing employment permit may continue to work while that application is being processed, including where the current permit has expired. This provision is intended to ensure continuity for both employees and employers.
Current employment permit processing dates are published and updated regularly on my Department’s website - https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/current-application-processing-dates/
To further support applicants and reduce the need for individual status queries, my Department has introduced a Self-Service Portal, which allows both employers and applicants to check the real-time status of their applications.
In addition, a dedicated mailbox is available to Oireachtas members for employment permit-related queries at tdepqueries@enterprise.gov.ie
